1926 Mickey Cochrane Philadelphia A's Contract

Four-page fold-over contract, dated January 29, 1926, between Gordon "Mickey" Cochrane and the American Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, signed in black fountain pen (grading "7") by "Gordon S. Cochrane" and in blue fountain pen (grading "9") by "John D. Shibe," club secretary. The fully executed contract, which features the club's stamped seal, has been duly witnessed and is also signed in black fountain pen (grading "9/10") by Ban Johnson in his capacity as American League President. The one-year contract calls for Cochrane to receive a salary of $8,000 for the 1926 season. Cochrane was just twenty-two years old when he signed this contract, but he was already the club's starting catcher, having just concluded a phenomenal rookie season in which he batted .331 in 134 games. Cochrane fell victim to baseball's famed sophomore jinx the following season, when he saw his average tumble to .273, but by 1927 his .338 mark reestablished his status as one of the game's premier hitters. One of the mainstays of Connie Mack's fabled 1929 to 1931 baseball dynasty, Cochrane later led Detroit to two pennants and one World Championship. Unfortunately, a fractured skull as a result of a beanball in 1937 effectively ended his career. He retired at the end of the season with a lifetime average of .320, which is still the all-time record for a catcher. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947. Baseball contracts of Hall of Fame players, especially those dating from their respective playing careers (let alone from the 1920s), are rare and the offered example is no exception. This is the first Cochrane contract we have ever offered. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent to Mint condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000+.SOLD FOR $3,231

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